United and Chelsea are among the other top clubs interested in the 20-year-old goal-scoring midfielder but relationships between the Reds and Everton hierarchy have been soured over the appointment of David Moyes, the 11th hour signing Marouane Fellaina and the ultimately unsuccessful but protracted pursuit of Goodison talisman Leighton Baines.

City upset Everton when Joleon Lescott signed, and Barkely will be well aware that Jack Rodwell made the switch down the East Lancs Road but failed to break through the Blues’ star spangled squad.

But City previously adopting a softly, softly approach could now have to go in with a blockbuster offer that Everton couldn’t turn down because of the dip in form of Yaya Toure and the need to quickly revive their faltering season.

The champions' boss Manuel Pellegrini knows that his own future will be on the line if City’s season ends trophy less so will be in determined mood to make the forthcoming transfer window a success, although with the UEFA Financial Fair Play restraints will obviously wheel and deal if he is to land the club’s number one target Barkley.

One source close to the player said: “Its a Wayne Rooney situation all over again. Yet another player has comes through the brilliant academy set up at Goodison who so called bigger clubs are desperate to get their hands on.

“Ross Barkley is Everton through and through and flourishing under Roberto Martinez.. However, he is ambitious and wants to be at a club on the biggest stage.”